Sayed Badreya
Biography: Egyptian-born film-maker and actor Sayed Badreya realized a childhood dream by winning roles in major Hollywood films such as The Insider, Three Kings, and Independence Day. Growing up in poverty in Port Said, Sayed Badreya's dreams of movie stardom looked as bleak as the prospect of peace in the Middle East. From the Six Day War in '67 through the Yom Kippur War in '73, his only escape from the world he knew was the movie theater, where films transported him to a magical land. But it was here that he determined he was destined to be a part of that magic. After attending New York University film school, and then moving to Hollywood, Sayed first worked in the film industry as an assistant to actor/director Anthony Perkins, and then with director James Cameron on True Lies. His mission - to make movies that told the Arabic- American story, since it had yet to be told - led to the creation of his own production company, Zoom In Focus. Under this banner, he directed and produced the documentary, Saving Egyptian Film Classics as well as The Interrogation, which won Best Creative Short Film at New York International Film Festival. He also produced and starred in Hesham Issawi's short, T for Terrorist, which was awarded Best Short Film at the Boston International Film Festival and the San Francisco World Film Festival. In 2007, he played his first leading role in the English language motion picture American East, a film that he also co-wrote. 2008 was Sayed Badreya's breakout year. He captivated audiences as Abu Bakaar, the villainous arms dealer who kidnaps Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in the summer's blockbuster Iron Man. Also that year, Sayed played the comedic Palestinian cab driver opposite Adam Sandler in You Don't Mess with the Zohan. This summer, Sayed can be seen in Paramount Pictures' feature film El traspatio aka Backyard, directed by Oscar-nominated Carlos Carrera in which he plays a serial killer opposite Ana de la Reguera. Sayed can also be seen this summer in Movie 43, where he plays opposite Halle Berry. Additional forthcoming films include The Three Stooges, his fifth film with the Farrelly brothers; The Dictator, playing Sascha Baron Cohen's father as the original Dictator, and Just Like a Woman, with Oscar nominated director Rachid Bouchareb. Also, Sayed is going to a new frontier in the new video game Uncharted 3, playing Ramses the Great Pirate Captain. Most recently he completed his second leading role in the New York independent feature, Cargo, about human traffickers, directed by Yan Vizinberg. And he just finished co-starring opposite Oscar-nominated actress Melissa Leo in film The Space Between, directed by Travis Fine. Sayed has also worked as an actor, Arabic dialect coach, and Islamic technical advisor on Path to 9/11, a $40 million mini-series about the events leading up to 9/11 produced by ABC/Touchstone. Sayed's efforts to bring attention to Arab-Americans in the motion picture industry have received much coverage over the years on radio, television, and in major publications around the world, such as The New York Times, GQ, NPR, ABC's "Politically Incorrect" with Bill Maher, BBC's "Panorama," CNN, "Fox Report with Shepard Smith", The Hollywood Reporter and Egypt Today.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: May 01, 1957
Deathday: N/A
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Known For
Independence Day
1996-06-25
Independence Day
Overview: Strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the world's major cities. As these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived. Its mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances.
Genres: Action Adventure Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-06-25
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Dandelion Season
Dandelion Season
Overview: Defiant young director Hanna seems to be forced into an arranged marriage in America. Arranging anything for this talented, head-strong woman was their first mistake.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
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Iron Man
2008-04-30
Iron Man
Overview: After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.
Genres: Action Science Fiction Adventure
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-04-30
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Mirage
1995-11-21
Mirage
Overview: Matteo Juarez is a retired detective hired by a local businessman to follow his wife Jennifer. She has a split personality and seems to be putting herself in danger without knowing it.
Genres: Action Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1995-11-21
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You Don't Mess with the Zohan
2008-06-05
You Don't Mess with the Zohan
Overview: An Israeli counterterrorism soldier with a secretly fabulous ambition to become a Manhattan hairstylist. Zohan's desire runs so deep that he'll do anything -- including faking his own death and going head-to-head with an Arab cab driver -- to make his dreams come true.
Genres: Comedy Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-06-05
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Backyard
2009-02-20
Backyard
Overview: Officer Blanca Bravo arrives in Juarez, Mexico — a grim nexus of corporate colonialism and sexual tourism — to investigate a rash of killings targeting female migrant workers. But with no help from the locals, bringing the responsible parties to justice becomes a frustrating exercise. As Bravo rails against indifference and local corruption, she finds herself on a collision course with Mickey Santos, a Mexican mogul with a taste for young prostitutes.
Genres: Thriller Crime Drama Mystery
Original Language: es
Release Date: 2009-02-20
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This Narrow Place
2011-10-20
This Narrow Place
Overview: A Palestinian sneaks into the U.S. to reconnect with his sister, and he plans to have a company, which built a bomb that killed his brother in Gaza, make a part for a rocket that he will launch into Israel.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-10-20
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I Am That Man
2019-09-01
I Am That Man
Overview: Struggling to come to terms with the break-up of his marriage and his reintegration into civilian life, former Navy SEAL John Beckett contemplates returning to what he knows best, war. When a close friend is brutally murdered in a racially motivated attack, Beckett calls upon his specialized military skills to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Has he found a new sense of purpose, or will this be his last mission?
Genres: Drama Crime Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-09-01
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AmericanEast
2008-11-14
AmericanEast
Overview: Summer in L.A., it's hot. Homeland Security has set the threat level at red; they're searching for several Arabs alleged to be terrorists. Mustafa, an Egyptian immigrant who runs a falafel shop, comes to the FBI's attention; they investigate him. He has other problems: his young teen son no longer wants to be a Muslim; his sister, a nurse, objects to Mustafa arranging her marriage to a cousin from Egypt. She has a non-Arab suitor of her own. Omar, an employee of Mustafa, is a struggling actor who doesn't want to play only terrorists. Mustafa hopes to open a real restaurant and has a potential partner in Sam, a Jew, whose family objects. What is the price of the American dream?
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-11-14
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The Dictator
2012-05-15
The Dictator
Overview: The heroic story of a dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-05-15
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Movie 43
2013-01-24
Movie 43
Overview: A series of interconnected short films are the backdrop for a maniac screenwriter who pitches insane storylines featuring some of Hollywood's biggest and brightest.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2013-01-24
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Cargo
2011-10-17
Cargo
Overview: A young Russian woman, smuggled into America by human traffickers, and a notorious Egyptian transporter hired to drive her from the Mexican border to New York City, form an unlikely bond that transforms them and threatens to derail the traffickers' plans.
Genres: Drama Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-10-17
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Just Like a Woman
2013-03-07
Just Like a Woman
Overview: Two women get on the highway heading to Santa Fe. Marilyn dreams of winning a contest held by a famous belly dancing company, while her friend, Mona, has a darker secret.
Genres: Drama TV Movie Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2013-03-07
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Family Prayers
2010-06-01
Family Prayers
Overview: When a young Egyptian married couple runs into serious issues the family steps in.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2010-06-01
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True Lies
1994-07-15
True Lies
Overview: A fearless, globe-trotting, terrorist-battling secret agent has his life turned upside down when he discovers his wife might be having an affair with a used car salesman while terrorists smuggle nuclear war heads into the United States.
Genres: Action Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-07-15
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perforated calabash
perforated calabash
Overview: documentary about egyptian cinema
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
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Hello Beautiful
Hello Beautiful
Overview: Hello Beautiful is a multi layered tale of courage, friendship and love set against the backdrop of the tragic events that the character endures. It embraces and evokes the beauty and ugliness within the complex world of illness, despair, and the strength to go on for those we love. It bursts into a world filled with emotional and visual chaos to remain decent in the face of darkness.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
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The Insider
1999-10-28
The Insider
Overview: A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco.
Genres: Drama Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-10-28
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Stuck on You
2003-12-10
Stuck on You
Overview: In Martha's Vineyard, Mass., conjoined twins Walt and Bob Tenor make the best of their handicap by being the fastest grill cooks in town. While outgoing Walt hopes to one day become a famous actor, shy Bob prefers to stay out of the spotlight. When a fading Hollywood actress, Cher, decides to get her show "Honey and the Beaze" cancelled, she hires Walt -- and his brotherly appendage -- as her costars. But their addition surprisingly achieves the opposite.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2003-12-10
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Three Kings
1999-09-27
Three Kings
Overview: A group of American soldiers stationed in Iraq at the end of the Gulf War find a map they believe will take them to a huge cache of stolen Kuwaiti gold hidden near their base, and they embark on a secret mission that's destined to change everything.
Genres: Action Comedy War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-09-27
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The Taking of Flight 847: The Uli Derickson Story
1988-01-01
The Taking of Flight 847: The Uli Derickson Story
Overview: This made-for-television film documents the takeover of the TWA airliner in flight from Athens to Rome in 1985. The focus is on the flight attendant, Uli Derickson, whose courage and hope helped save all but one of the passengers on the plane. The movie chronicles the first 2 days and the aftermath.
Genres: TV Movie Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-01-01
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Kingpin
1996-07-04
Kingpin
Overview: After bowler Roy Munson swindles the wrong crowd and is left with a hook for a hand, he settles into impoverished obscurity. That is, until he uncovers the next big thing: an Amish kid named Ishmael. So, the corrupt and the hopelessly naive hit the circuit intent on settling an old score with Big Ern.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-07-04
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The Three Stooges
2012-04-13
The Three Stooges
Overview: Left on the doorstep of an orphanage run by nuns, three newborn knuckleheads grow up to be finger-poking, nyuk-nyuking janitors named Larry, Curly and Moe. When they learn that financial problems will soon force the only home they've ever known to close, the trio sets out to raise $830,000 in one month. Out in the world for the very first time, the three innocent bumblers become embroiled in a murder plot and find stardom on a TV reality show.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-04-13
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Shallow Hal
2001-11-01
Shallow Hal
Overview: After taking his dying father's advice, Hal dates only the embodiments of female physical perfection. But that all changes after Hal has an unexpected run-in with self-help guru Tony Robbins. Intrigued by Hal's shallowness, Robbins hypnotizes him into seeing the beauty that exists even in the least physically appealing women. Hal soon falls for Rosemary, but he doesn't realize that his gorgeous girlfriend is actually a 300-pound-not-so-hottie.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-11-01
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Stargate
1994-10-28
Stargate
Overview: An interstellar teleportation device, found in Egypt, leads to a planet with humans resembling ancient Egyptians who worship the god Ra.
Genres: Action Adventure Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-10-28
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The Princess & the Marine
2001-02-18
The Princess & the Marine
Overview: Based on a true story, American Marine Jason Johnson (Goselaar) is sent on assignment to the Emirate of Bahrain. While there, he meets and falls in love with a spirited, lovely young woman, Meriam (Nichols), without realizing she is really a member of the Bahraini Royal Family. Meriam, who does not wish to consent to an arranged marriage, knows her love affair with Jason is dangerous, as he is a Mormon Christian and she a Muslim. Her parents would never consent to their match, and so Meriam and Jason race against time to escape Bahrain and make it to the United States, where they can marry. If Meriam is sent back, however, her life may be in jeopardy.
Genres: Drama Romance TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-02-18
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Vanguard
2020-09-30
Vanguard
Overview: Covert security company Vanguard is the last hope of survival for an accountant after he is targeted by the world's deadliest mercenary organization.
Genres: Comedy Thriller Action Adventure
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 2020-09-30
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Hotshot
1987-01-23
Hotshot
Overview: The story of an American soccer player trying to make it big who turns to Pele, the greatest soccer player of all time, for guidance.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1987-01-23
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Witness to a Rape
2020-07-10
Witness to a Rape
Overview: The full story of the crime of losing Egyptian cinema heritage Neglected by the Minister of Culture (Farouk Hosni). Sold by (Asaad Yunus). The Saudi Prince bought it (Al-Walid Bin Talal)
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: ar
Release Date: 2020-07-10
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Boiling Pot
2015-09-29
Boiling Pot
Overview: On a college campus in modern America, ideas that have long been neglected as "issues of the past" emerge as racial tensions and frictions grow between different student groups.
Genres: Crime History Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2015-09-29
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The Space Between
2011-09-11
The Space Between
Overview: Montine McLeod, a world-weary flight attendant, and Omar Hassan, a prematurely wise 10-year-old Pakastani-American boy connect with one another amidst the chaos of September 11, 2001. When Montine discovers the boy's direct personal link to the terrorist attacks, she instinctively embarks on an unsanctioned cross-country road trip to help Omar discover his uncertain future.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-09-11
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Jellyfish and Lobster
2023-02-27
Jellyfish and Lobster
Overview: Brought together serendipitously in a moment of mischief, two elderly care home residents form an unlikely relationship when they make an enchanted discovery.
Genres: Drama Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2023-02-27
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Soul Plane
2004-05-28
Soul Plane
Overview: Following a ridiculously awful flight that leads to his pet's death, Nashawn Wade files a lawsuit against the airline, and wins a multimillion-dollar settlement. Determined to create a better flying experience, Nashawn starts his own airline, one that caters to an African-American clientele. Going into business with a tricked-out plane piloted by the smooth Capt. Mack, the airline hits a snag when it has to deal with the family of Elvis Hunkee.
Genres: Romance Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-05-28
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